TLDR
Ben Simmons tore his right Achilles tendon during a Sacramento Kings practice on 18 October, ending his comeback attempt before the season began. Surgery is confirmed and he is expected to miss the 2026-27 NBA season.
Injury confirmed during live drill
Ben Simmons suffered a torn right Achilles tendon during a live drill at Sacramento Kings practice on Sunday, 18 October, ending his comeback bid before he played a single regular-season game. An MRI confirmed the diagnosis and the Kings announced Simmons will undergo surgery. He is expected to miss the 2026-27 season.[1]
The Kings issued a statement confirming the details: "Sacramento Kings guard Ben Simmons was injured during a live drill in practice on Sunday, Oct. 18. An MRI revealed a torn right Achilles tendon. Simmons will undergo surgery. Further updates will be provided as appropriate."[1]
Simmons responds to another setback
Simmons addressed the injury publicly after the Kings' announcement. "I've faced challenges before that tested me mentally, physically, and emotionally, and I've found a way through every single one of them. This injury is another chapter in my journey, not the end of my story," he said.[3]
A comeback derailed again
Simmons signed a one-year, $3.5 million veteran minimum contract with the Sacramento Kings on 8 September 2026, aiming to revive an NBA career that had been dormant for more than a year.[2] He had sat out the entire 2025-26 season rehabilitating back and leg injuries before agreeing to the deal.
Selected first overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2016 NBA draft after one season at LSU, Simmons won Rookie of the Year in 2018 and earned three All-Star selections. Recurring injuries and a high-profile holdout with Philadelphia from 2021 onwards interrupted what had been a rapidly ascending career.
The Kings open their season on Wednesday on the road against the Los Angeles Clippers.[1]
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